Windows Vista RC2 is now available to technical beta testers!
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Today, Microsoft is excited to announce the availability of Windows Vista RC2 to Technical Beta Testers, TAP Testers, and MSDN/TechNet subscribers. This new build of Windows Vista offers users a higher level of performance and stability ??improving what was established in Windows Vista RC1. We were able to also fix many of your bugs reported from RC1 and implement them for RC2. Thank you to our beta testers for the bugs and feedback you submitted for RC1. The improvement shows as we raised our quality bar even higher!
Platforms and Services Co-President Jim Allchin has just posted a special announcement letter of RC2 to Microsoft Connect for the Windows Vista Technical Beta Testers. I??d like to reproduce the letter here for all to read:
People asked for it, and here it is, Windows Vista RC2! We wanted you to be the first to get these bits; next week they??ll be available to a broader set of customers via MSDN and TechNet.
All your great feedback has helped us focus on nothing but bug fixes over the past month since RC 1 ??each and every day. There are thousands of quality improvements since Windows Vista RC1. You??ll probably notice improvements in performance, application compatibility, as well as fit and finish work. We will continue improving quality until RTM. If you are an ISV, please use this build (certainly at least RC1 or later) to get certified. Visit www.innovateonvista.com for more information on logo certification.
You are integral to this creation and refinement process. We are just around the corner from RTM and shipping this great product to the world. This will be the last build made available prior to RTM, so please keep the feedback coming so we can hit the finish line. Thanks for your help in finishing the job!
jim
I encourage you to download and install Windows Vista RC2. We??re almost finished with Windows Vista ??RTM is almost here. Submit as many bugs as you can as we continue to work hard toward shipping.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------Download: http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc2/en/download.htm
If you a CONNECT user, you can download from here:
https://connect.microsoft.com/windows/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?DownloadID=3361
Update: public download was closed. But avaliable to MSDN/Technet subscriber now!
All Replies
Announcement from newsgroup:
The Windows Beta Team, along with Terry Walsh and the other participants of the 2006 Window Vista Beta Tour are pleased to announce the release of build 5744.16384 as RC2 of Windows Vista. Much of the changes since the last release have been driven by your feedback and we ask that you download and install this build as soon as possible.
This is the last planned release to the beta program prior to RTM. We ask that every single tester install and run this build to confirm fixes and help us search for any remaining issues.
If you have not already done so, please obtain a product key for this build from the Microsoft Connect website. If you already have a product key for build 5342 and up you do NOT need a new one. Please download this release at your earliest opportunity; no media will be sent; this release is available as a download only. The images posted are DVD images and the recommended approach is to download and burn a DVD appropriate for your hardware.
Important notes:
- Please file any issues you encounter ASAP.
- No CD images will be made available for this build.
- Only Vista is being provided today.
- Upgrades from Vista RC1 are valid.
- Upgrades from Windows XP SP2 are encouraged.
- Upgrades from any other build are not supported or recommended.
How to get support and provide feedback:
- You can report issues by installing the Microsoft Beta Client via the link labeled “How to share feedback” provided on the Vista desktop.
- Please join your fellow beta testers, the beta team and the Windows product team in the newsgroups (https://connect.microsoft.com/content/content.aspx?SiteID=4&ContentID=29 )to get questions answered and problems solved.
The following images are available with this release:
Windows Vista (x86 and x64) in English, German and Japanese
Windows Driver Kit (For driver developers)
X86 and x64 English are available immediately, others will follow throughout the day and early tomorrow.
Any additions to this will be announced in the .announcements newsgroup.
We look forward to your feedback on this new build!
The 2006 Vista Beta tour participants and The Windows Beta Team
Download in progress.....Seems that it's Pre-Final RTM build.
Good luck
- Yes! I think RTM should be finish within this month...
I am really keen to know the difference between rc1 and rc2.
are they just small bug fixes or any major changes??
- Downloading...
The one new visable change is to what happens when you maximize a window. The Toolbar is no longer black depending on what color you are using for Glass. Try Frost or Red for an example.
There is no new Boot Screen, Wallpapers, Sounds. A lot of bug fixes.
- My question/concern would be, if from RC2 will be an upgrade path to Vista FCS?
- Media Center is not upgraded but reinstalled and unstable after upgrade rc1 -> rc2. Beta Report submitted.
Dear Richard,
Since there are still complain and issues around in RC2 as published in Microsoft Windows Vista Blog, will Microsoft going to release another build before RTM?
Will RTM going to be release for beta tester and customer preview program (CPP)?
Dear Richard,
Since there are still complain and issues around in RC2 as published in Microsoft Windows Vista Blog, will Microsoft going to release another build before RTM?
Will RTM going to be release for beta tester and customer preview program (CPP)???
- I install that it's good windows .
- installing. RC1 was wicked such a big improvement to Beta 2 well done Microsoft
- Could be an isolated case but I'm seeing a couple of issues that weren't there in RC1 :-
1. Installing on a DFI Ultra-D board, NVRaid 0, causes a BSOD after first reboot. There's a workaround at nforcershq.com. (This was in RC1 as well)
2. nvmcp.sys is causing hard crashes without bsod although a minidump is produced. Rolling back to RC1 drivers seems to work so far.
3. Wont install on Dell M1210, citing BIOS incompatibility although this worked fine in RC1.
4. Crashes when initiating sleep mode occasionally - no event log.
5. 'Find' in eventvwr results in continuous 'hourglass' blue ring after last match. Can cancel out of it ok.
By the way, would be nice to be on the list of official testers next time ;) Had RC2 99% downloaded, but failed due to low disk space (apparently I and it did not check BEFORE the d/l started). Went to re-start the d/l and MS has pulled it. Anyone know where I can get the 32bit Eng version?
Thanks!
S
---- DISREGARD - have been told that 5744 was pulled due to some problems with the build and that it will be reposted after a new build is done...
- I love how one day later the links are broken for rc2....
Snub_Fighter wrote: I love how one day later the links are broken for rc2....
Maybe they found some real showstoppers and have withdrawn it?I must be missing something... I have followed the links to the Vista home page, but only RC1 (which I already have) is listed.
I don't see RC2 on MSDN or any of the CPP sites.
Did I forget to use my secret decoder ring?
- I now Into the vista and deamon tools working here it's was a bug in rc1
Yoel haikin wrote: I now Into the vista and deamon tools working here it's was a bug in rc1 lol i used daemon tools to install rc2 yesterday, the problem i had was i would get win32k.sys which was accually the display drivers causing my system to blue screen..
wtsnt wrote: I must be missing something... I have followed the links to the Vista home page, but only RC1 (which I already have) is listed.
I don't see RC2 on MSDN or any of the CPP sites.
Did I forget to use my secret decoder ring?
You're not missing anything, I am having the same issue .... How or Where can we download RC2 ??? The main page is still only showing and allowing RC 1. Help Appreciated.
- ummm, I can't find the rc2 release. WHERE IS IT?
- Great to hear Daemon tools can now be run....
I have it, but sadly with it being a COUPLE GIG's I can't post it to anywhere :(
I am looking for it at work as well to do some testing, but I guess I will have to wait.
seem no more RC or beta will release before the RTM.
So, anyone who got the RC2, enjoy your last beta...
- Hi there tcpaulh.
also have a DELL XPS M1210 here and am getting the same 'BIOS imcompatibility' message when trying to install RC2. RC1 had no problems with this. I upgraded to the newest BIOS that Dell has for this, but no luck.
Have you found any answers to this? Anyone out there know what this BIOS check is actually looking for? Hello,
Are they going to prepost the links for RC2 somewhere since many people obviously didn't get it? (Me being one of the have nots).
Tim
Some peoples got the same problem in their Toshiba notebook.
THe only thing which they can do is wait the manufacturer to release a new BIOS to solve the problem.
- Microsoft has disable RC2 link, it was up only for few days.
- We are in the midst of testing a new product for Vista and need an urgent access to RC2. How do we gain access at this time?
- lol if you want deamon tools on work vista speek with me
Hi, I download and install windows Vista RC2 X86. I have a AMD Athon 64 (939) 3200Mz with DDR400Mz 1Gb HD 80Gb (IDE) + 160Gb SATA. I install the system, but when i tried to Shutting Down or restart the computer - BLACK PAGE appears and the system STOP WORKING. I need to shut Down in the computer, erery time the same error. (I Format and install again and the same error appears)
Someone can help me::?
Thank You
Eddie
- as suggested, it may be a bad media problem! Please try to re-burn the ISO at a slower speed, such as 1x or 2x. And then re-install again.
- ok and when will we get the serial for vista rc2?.btw ...download inprogress
- where did you download it? If from MSDN/Technet Subscriber site. THey will allow you to get a key from there!
- I had issues with RC1 32 bit version because it was extremely slow on my laptop. When I caught wind that their was a RC2 I jumped on that and have never had a problem with it being slow or the installation or anything. So not too sure why Microsoft removed that release because it actually runs alot better than the RC1 did and is alot more stable and faster for me
Hi, MS set limit to the download of RC2 to 100000. THe limit was reached. So MS close the RC2 download.
If anyone really want to try it, they are required to Paid for it.
Please reference my post in herE:
http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=867191&SiteID=17&mode=1
pls send me link vista RC2
thank
did you read the announcement post? NO MORE Vista RC2 PUBLIC DOWNLOAD LINK!
http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=824468&SiteID=17
I'm downloading Windows Vista RC2 right now! I know a way to get it I Hope i don't get in trouble for this but, U can get it from www.BitTorrent.com Just download the BitTorrent Client and search in Windows Vista RC2 and click download. Or use a p2p program such as LimeWire, it has it. Here is a link to that has Vista RC2 http://45gljdb782.rapidsafe.de/
Enjoy!
- Generally speaking, bitTorrent networks and p2p networks are not used legally, and are filled with many many fake files. I know a lot of people who spend hours downloading a file, just to find out it is the wrong one. As well, you would need a product key. I am not sure which product keys work on RC2, but don't be surprised if yours doesn't work.
- I'm 100% sure that you can use an RC1 Product key. Yes, there are lots of fake files on torrents and so forth but, never download a file that is under 1,000KB and yes, I got windows 2000 one time from it and it said it was in English, cam to find out that it was in German. Im 100% sure i downloaded Windows Vista RC2 the whole filze size I think is like 2.50 GB.
- please stop talking about illeagal things in here.
- I want to try rc1 but iv not got a dvd burner, is there any way i can install it without burning it to dvd?
Hi,
Q: Is there an upgrade path available for 5600?
A: Yes – if you have an existing Windows XP Home or Professional installation, please attempt an upgrade to one of the Windows Vista 5600 SKUs. Build to build upgrades are not supported except from Beta 2. Upgrading from Windows XP x64 edition to Windows Vista is not supported in this build either, However, you can use Windows Easy Transfer or User State Management Tool (USMT) to collect settings and migrate any important data.By mount the iso as a Virtual drive, you can try to upgrade to RC1.
You can upgrade your XP to RC1, BUT! Take it at your own risk! No uninstall avaliable! So, please backup all of your data!
- thanx for your help ;)
- 1
- I'v downloaded rc1 twice and it's not got the iso file in the zip :( is there any way i can get just the iso to download?
Hi, the iso can be burn to DVD for use.
It's not a zip file!
- when i downloaded it it was a zip file and in it was a readme file have i downloaded the wrong thing ?
- Since when are P2P clients an illegal thing?
Did you download the file from Microsoft, or from else where? The file from Microsoft is an image file (.iso).
RC1 is available here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/default.mspx
- I downloaded from the email i got from microsoft which is the same link i think.
The email from Microsoft gives the following link: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=5439938 (right click, "copy shortcut") which should redirect to http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc1/en/download.htm (or something similar)
Did you try downloading the file through the download manager, or just through your browser? I remember having issues with the download manager myself.- I could'nt use the download manager for some strange reason.
- you can use others download manager to download, such as Flashget.
What is the name and extension of the file you downloaded, cause it should be an image.. In which case try using Nero to burn it to cd rom.. And if it isn't an image try opening it with winrar..
Another way is try to use ISO Buster on it and see if it will open. If it opens with ISO buster then it is an Image file, and you can either extract the image with that which is the same as mounting it, or you can just burn the image to cd rom
- If download from MS, it should be a iso image file.
The direct link to the file is here (32-bit build 5600) http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc1/en/x86/iso/vista_5600.16384.060829-2230_x86fre_client-lr1cfre_en_dvd.iso
Or 64-bit here http://download.windowsvista.com/dl/preview/rc1/en/x64/iso/vista_5600.16384.060829-2230_x64fre_client-lr1cxfre_en_dvd.isoThose links should work for you. You will need a product key, if you don't already have one.
- It could have been the icon that was just showing a zip icon coz i did'nt check the file type lol but i did unzip it and it was a readme file
, i will try downloading it again.
EDIT: i downloaded it again and it was still a winrar file so i tryed mounting it and the vista install screen came up
Seriously, half the people here shouldn't be allowed within 100 feet of pre-release software.
Just because your newly downloaded ISO file has a Winzip or Winrar ICON beside it, doesnt mean it's a ZIP or RAR file...
The latest versions of these apps seem to be able to extract files from ISO images, and automatically associate themselves with the ISO extension.
Turn off "Hide extensions for known file types" in your folder options and you'll see that you have an ISO file in your greasy mitts.
If you do indeed have a RAR or ZIP file, then you didn't get the file from MS and probably got it via illegitimate means.
I'm sorry, but MS releases this luvverly pre-release Beta and Release Candidate so tech nerds can play with the new tech, and resellers can prepare themselves. Unfortunately, the zillion and one other peeps that have a computer seem to think that RC1 means "Free OS with updates" and *** and moan when it doesn't "just work".
thx for detail explaination.
It's true that beta software is design for IT Pro to test and evaluate. But too much normal PC users(Without Windows upgrade/installation knowledge) download and complaint it.
Anyway, Vista was RTM today! This post should be closed.
